Well-known anti-spyware pioneer Lavasoft today announced the global release of Ad-Aware Free Internet Security, the latest version of its flagship security product that now adds traditional anti-virus detection to its leading anti-spyware technology – offering a comprehensive first line of defense against malware and other cyber threats.

In keeping with Lavasoft's vision that every computer user, regardless of economic status or geographic location, has the power to control their individual privacy and security on the Internet, Lavasoft brings an important change with this new release: Ad-Aware Free offers complete malware protection – including real-time anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, and a rootkit removal system – still completely free of charge for home users, with no strings attached. The paid version of Ad-Aware Internet Security, Ad-Aware Pro, offers multi-layered protection and more advanced control

“Here at Lavasoft, it's part of our founding principle that all computer users must have the power to protect themselves online. By continuing to offer the Ad-Aware Free version and now adding anti-virus protection, we are ensuring that our users throughout the world have a one-stop product that delivers core malware protection: anti-spyware, anti-virus and anti-rootkit,” says Johnny Widerlund, Senior Technologies Director at Lavasoft.

A testament to the software's longstanding popularity and trusted use, Lavasoft's Ad-Aware Free boasts over 400 million downloads worldwide since its release.

“Millions of computer users across the globe put their trust in Ad-Aware to protect their PC's from spyware and rootkits. This new version, which includes the advanced technology, easy-to-use functionality and optimum efficiency that people expect from our software, puts even more power in the hands of our users, providing a true first line of defense against today's cyber threats,” Widerlund says.

Ad-Aware Internet Security Features

Ad-Aware Internet Security provides protection against complex and up-to-the-second forms of malware. The key features of the Free version include:

Core anti-malware detection – delivered through Lavasoft's pioneer anti-spyware technology coupled with traditional anti-virus detection – provides comprehensive online protection against viruses, spyware, rootkits, and blended malware.

Multi-layered detection techniques – including behavior-based heuristics methodology and Genotype technology, pinpoints the newest and most relevant forms of malware for today's computer user.

Basic real-time protection – delivered through Ad-Watch Live! Basic allows computers users to detect malware applications before personal information is attacked.

Price and Availability

The Pro and Free versions of Ad-Aware are available immediately at www.lavasoft.com. Ad-Aware Free is available free of charge for personal, home use. Ad-Aware Pro is available with 1, 3, or 5 user licenses, and includes free technical support and continuous software updates throughout the license period. The price begins at $29.95, with aggressive discounts for multi-user or multi-year licenses. All existing Lavasoft customers with a valid Ad-Aware license will be eligible to update to the new version completely free of charge.

Ad-Aware is available to users in English, Portuguese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese.